Malay Village area set for a revamp under URA Draft Masterplan 2008

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Malay Village area set for a revamp under URA Draft Masterplan 2008

By Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 26 May 2008 2007 hrs


SINGAPORE: National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan has unveiled some features of the Malay Village facelift under the URA Draft Master Plan 2008.

In outlining future plans for the Paya Lebar area in Parliament on Monday, the minister said a substantial portion of the Malay Village site will be reserved for a new civic building.

It will house a variety of amenities, including a Community Club, the Community Development Council office, and possibly a Community Library.

There will also be an open plaza space that could be used for activities related to the Hari Raya celebrations.

To retain the ethnic character of the area, Mr Mah said a new pedestrian mall will be created along Geylang Road to accommodate more stalls during the annual Hari Raya bazaar.

Mr Mah was responding to Non-Constituency MP Sylvia Lim, who wanted to know why the Malay Village, located in Geylang Serai, has not been able to thrive since its inception and how the new plans to revamp it will be an improvement from the past.

Mr Mah said since the village is a private development, the government cannot comment on its business performance. - CNA/vm